Opposition wants Marois to explain 'deal' before election call

Quebec opposition parties say it's shameful Premier Pauline Marois will likely call an election before she can be grilled on possible dealings between her husband and the province's largest labour federation.

Marois and her spouse, Claude Blanchet, have been called to testify before a committee once the legislature resumes sitting March 11.

An Opposition motion calling for Marois and Blanchet to appear was passed Thursday, but it's likely an election will be called before mid-March, meaning the couple won't need to testify.

The controversy revolves around a 2009 wiretap that was played recently at the provincial corruption inquiry.

The recording captures the then-president of the Quebec Federation of Labour saying he was ready to enlist the aid of the Parti Quebecois to help thwart a corruption probe, noting the labour union has a "deal with Blanchet.''

Despite the couple insisting they did nothing wrong, the Opposition parties have said they're not satisfied with their responses.

"We want the truth, and I think the Quebecers need an explanation,'' said Liberal Lise Theriault, the party's ethics critic.

If not addressed at the committee, the issue could surface during the election campaign.

If Marois has nothing to hide, then why not just appear and put the rumors and allegations to rest? I don't know if she has to swear an oath to tell the truth on a bible - perhaps as a promoter of non-secularism she does not want to be seen doing that. But then again, as Premier she had no trouble attending a Catholic memorial service for Lac Megantic?

If she puts herself in contempt of the National Assemby or calls an election before she can testify, she can hardly complain about "odious tactics" from the oppostion parties. The widely reported financing deal that her husband's company allegedly received needs to be explained. If she doesnt supply the narrative then she shouldnt bitch if others do so on "her behalf."

She currently is and wishes to continue to be premier of this province, but she doesn't get a free pass. She (and her family) cannot complain about being held to a higher standard. Afterall, she serves at the will of the people. People who's taxes pay for her salary, benefits and gold plated pension. She has not sacrificed herself for the public good. There are many Quebekers, whoc don't have a multi-millionaire spouse, who would similarly sacrifice themselves for her renumeration and benefits.

It is impossible for Marois to profess that she is one of the people. She simply does not have the same concerns as the average tax payer (or non tax payer). Remember her Chateau on Ile Bizard?

So Mme Maroisnette. Instead of hiding behind an election call, get up in front of your people and answer the questions. If not, then shut up about your reputation being unfairly targeted. Just because you are premier, you dont get a free pass.

Hopefully Coulliard will keep this issue and the economy front and center (even though the economy and the Charter of Racism are intertwined in a certain way) during the upcoming campaign that way even the French voter will see her for the sham artist she is, and what kind if government they will be voting for if they do vote for her and the clan.